Nigeria’s Halal Industry - Why is now the time?

“Don't wait for the environment to be ready. Don't wait for the policy to be ready. If everything is ready, then there is no opportunity for you” - Jack Ma.

In 2015, Halal Research Council and LCM consulting signed an MOU stating that both organizations will work together for the promotion of Halal industry in Nigeria. Halal Research council would facilitate the LCM consulting Nigeria limited in different aspects of Halal industry like Capacity Building, Research & Development, Shariah Advisory etc. Also, Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, CEO Halal Research Council, mentioned that Nigeria, with its large Muslim population, can be a target market for the growing Halal industry. However, from an end-user Point of View, nothing has been done in this regard.

Nigeria is yet to have a Halal Certification body, Halal Food restaurant, and the general awareness about Halal and the Halal industry in Nigeria is very low. These factors still remain part of the threats faced by entrepreneurs interested in the Halal industry. Some have given up pending the time the policy is ready, while some are not even aware of the opportunities in the Halal industry.

Although, these threats are recognised, but shouldn’t stop entrepreneurs and investors from investing in Nigeria’s Halal industry. If the policy makers are not forthcoming, create an urgency that will make them to. Create the awareness, make them see the need, and collaborate with other Halal industry enthusiasts. Being a first comer might be tough, but there is an attainable ease in the long run.

You might want to ask, “What have I done to create an urgency?”.

My answer: I am already taking that bold step, but don’t want to do it alone. I want to collaborate with other Halal industry enthusiasts like myself.

I will be organising a Halal Food Festival in Nigeria, but I’m looking for others to join me. If you will like to volunteer, partner, sponsor or make a donation towards this event, kindly drop me a mail.

You can reach me via email at anofiujelailah@gmail.com